Teen Orthodontics

Teen orthodontics provides complete orthodontic care for teens and adolescents. At Ensley Orthodontics in Beaverton, Oregon, experienced orthodontists Kevin Ensley, DMD, and Sara Edmondson, DMD, offer several types of teen orthodontics, including braces and Invisalign®. Your child’s orthodontist can determine the best type of treatment at their initial consultation. Call Ensley Orthodontics today to request a teen orthodontic consultation for your child or book online.

Who is a candidate for teen orthodontics?

Teen orthodontics is an orthodontic subspecialty that treats tooth and jaw alignment issues in tweens and teens (kids between the ages of 12 and 18). 

At Ensley Orthodontics, the providers offer metal braces and Invisalign. Most teenage patients get to choose between one or the other at their first consultation.

What types of issues can benefit from teen orthodontics?

Ensley Orthodontics uses teen orthodontics to treat various alignment issues, including:

• Crooked teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Spaces between the teeth
• Misaligned jaws
• Overlapping teeth

Your teenager might benefit from orthodontics if they have a bite abnormality, like crossbite, overbite, or underbite.

What are the types of teen orthodontics?

Ensley Orthodontics offers several types of orthodontic treatment for teens, including:

Self-ligating braces

Self-ligating braces are orthodontic appliances bonded to the surfaces of your child’s permanent teeth. They have small metal brackets and a metal archwire that place mild pressure on your child’s teeth and jaws. 

Invisalign®

Invisalign uses removable plastic aligners to place mild pressure on our child’s teeth and jaws. Invisalign aligners are clear and fit snugly over your child’s teeth. Your child wears them for 20-22 hours every day, only taking them out to eat or brush and floss.

Carriere® motion appliance

If your teenager has misaligned molars, their orthodontist might recommend treatment with the Carriere motion appliance. This orthodontic device helps straighten the teeth at the back of your child’s mouth in preparation for braces or Invisalign.

After an oral exam and a series of digital X-rays, your child’s orthodontist can make personalized treatment recommendations.

How long does teen orthodontic treatment take?

The time that teen orthodontic treatment takes depends on various factors, including the severity of your child’s alignment issues and their commitment to their provider’s treatment plan. Most teens achieve their desired results within 12 to 18 months* but it may take longer. 

Encourage your child to wear their Invisalign aligners as prescribed and make sure they attend each of their checkups at Ensley Orthodontics. 

What happens at the end of orthodontic treatment?

After your teen completes orthodontic treatment, they transition to a retainer. A retainer is a removable oral appliance that prevents teeth from returning to their original positions. Your teenager may need to wear the retainer for 18 months or longer to ensure lasting results.

Call Ensley Orthodontics today to request a teen orthodontics consultation for your child, or book online.

*Individual results may vary.